Banff National Park

Situated beside Brewster Creek and flanked by the Sundance Range, Sundance Lodge is the most accessible backcountry lodge in Banff National Park.

By Jack Newton

When the call of the wild beckons these days, cozy backcountry retreats come to mind. I guess my days of grand icefield traverses and winter camping are done. Hot meals, a comfortable bed and a soft seat beside a glowing wood stove have increasing appeal.

But I don’t want it too easy. I still revel in the sense of accomplishment that comes from earning creature comforts. So when the opportunity to make the 11.4-km (7.1-mi) trek to Banff’s Sundance Lodge presented itself, I did not hesitate.

The new Healy Creek bridge was built in the aftermath of the 2013 flood.

For nearly a century, skiers and boarders have flocked to the alpine paradise of the Canadian Rockies’ ski resorts. No wonder. Ours is a land where peaks outnumber people and the ski season is longer than any other in the country.

Photo: Banff Lake Louise Tourism / Paul Zizka Photography

The impressive wilderness of Canada’s Mountain Parks (Banff and Jasper national parks, and Kananaskis Provincial Park) boasts an enviable combination of tree lined and open bowl terrain, high-speed lifts and on-hill amenities that summon skiers and boarders from around the world. Local ski enthusiasts dish out insider details to make your visit memorable.

Visitors to Banff National Park in 2015 may see a wider array of wildlife adorning the landscape. On January 23, Blake Richards, Member of Parliament for Alberta’s Wild Rose district, received nearly 3,000 signed postcards supporting the reintroduction of wild plains bison to the park.

Head for the hills this fall and explore one of Canada’s many hiking trails, whether it’s tackling tough terrain on BC’s west coast or a slow sojourn on the Fundy Footpath (pictured). Well-trod trails accommodate any age or fitness level. Fall is an excellent time to get outside and capture the golden glow that softens the landscape. Proper hiking boots, water and snacks are a must. For organized outings with an experienced guide, contact cross-Canada hiking clubs or specific clubs in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, Alberta and BC.

One of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park, Johnson Canyon and the Ink Pots showcases a limestone canyon carved by the power of raging water.<br /> <br /> <em>• Parks Canada, 224 Banff Ave., Banff Alberta, 403-762-1550, <a href="http://www.banff.com/hiking/johnston_canyon.shtml"> banff.com</a></em>

Look for caribou and moose on hikes in Gaspésie National Park, a landscape of mountains, coastline and sparkling waters. The <a title="http://www.sia-iat.com/" href="http://www.sia-iat.com/">International Appalachian Trail</a> runs through the peninsula, but you can also do short 1- to 17-km hikes.<br /> <br /> <em>• Gaspésie Hiking Trails, 1-800-665-6527,<a href="http://www.sepaq.com/pq/gas/index.dot?language_id=1"> sepaq.com</a></em>

The Grey Owl Trail in the rugged Canadian Shield region of northern Saskatchewan takes in rolling hills, sandy beaches and depressions in the thick boreal forest. Hike part of the 20-km trail or do an overnight along the way for a chance to see the northern lights.<br /> <br /> <em>• Grey Owl Trail,<a href="http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Grey-Owl-Trail-near-Prince-Albert-Arpt-SK-961"> trailpeak.com</a></em>

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WHY WE CHOSE IT We chose Julius Reque’s arresting photo because it shows the wildlife of Banff National Park in its natural habitat and allows us to see how these majestic bighorn sheep look up close. Of course, we don’t recommend getting this close to wildlife just to snap a photo—wild animals are unpredictable and you never know how they will react—but thanks to a zoom lens, “Horned Gypsies” reminds us of the beauty of nature and the species that inhabit the world around us.

Submit your photo to our Flickr Group to see your favourite travel shot as part of our Photo Friday feature on Where.ca! We’ll credit you and link to your photo.

Opened in 1931, Skoki Lodge was Canada’s first commercial ski lodge. The National Historic Site in the Canadian Rockies‘ Banff National Park still retains an early 20th-century charm, due in no small part to its remote location. No roads lead to the log-cabin lodge, which is an 11-kilometre (three- to five-hour) steady, gradual uphill hike or ski from Lake Louise Ski Area, and you’ll have to trek in with all your gear—the lodge doesn’t provide any transport. (more…)

Seven ski areas, tons of snow and a November through May ski season. A world-class combination of ski terrain, high-speed lifts and on-hill amenities. No wonder Banff, Jasper and area draws skiers and snowboarders from around the world. Read on for insider ideas to help you make the most of your time on the slopes. (more…)